FOCUS ON COUNTRY ADVISOR

After 14 years working for Projects Abroad, as the Country Director in Ghana, Tom Davis, on his recent appointment as the Country Advisor, describes what he thinks makes the program an on going success.

Tom Davis, recently retired Country Director for Projects Abroad Ghana, has been with the program from its very beginning. In 1997, after spending some 10 years abroad living in the UK, Mr Davis returned to his home country, to help the Organization expand its program into the country.

A British based organization established in 1992, Projects Abroad had experienced success operating development projects in India and was looking to expand. Tom Davis' local heritage and cultural understanding made him an asset to the company during its expansion into Ghana.

For the next 14 years, 8 years spent as Deputy Director and 6 years as Country director, Tom played a major role in developing and expanding the program throughout the country.

'At first we were only operating in Accra,' Tom explains, 'during that first year there were about 3 or 4 people on staff and we had 10 volunteers go through the program.'

According to Mr Davis one of the major challenges he faced with the initial establishment of the program, was acquiring host families for the volunteers. 'I had to contact the families individually, Tom recalls, 'it was important that we helped them understand and accept the nature of the project and eventually they came round.'

As the Projects Abroad Ghana gained gradual success the program was expanded first into Cape Coast, then into the Hills until eventually the organization was operating in 6 of the country's regions.

Today Projects Abroad Ghana has around 40 to 45 staff members dispersed throughout the country and sees about 2000 volunteers go through the program every year.

Over the years Tom has gained the respect and admiration of his staff and fellow Projects Abroad employees. Grant Appiah , Central Regional Director says it was Tom who interviewed him 6 years ago when he first joined the organization, since then Appriah has seen Davis as somewhat of a father figure. He says if he ever has a problem it is Tom who he would call. Grant says he speaks to Tom on a daily basis.

A credit to Tom as director, the Ghana branch of Projects Abroad is often considered one of the organizations most successful and popular programs by staff and volunteers worldwide. Upon being questioned about this success, Tom says that a lot of it comes down to years of hard work and dedication from him and the Projects Abroad team.

Tom credits his staff, stating that the employees at Projects Abroad are well trained and highly capable of handling the preparation that is required. He also mentions a rapid response rate that allows for a high intake of volunteers who are can feel that their needs are met and that they are taken care of.

Through the this program Tom Davis and Projects Abroad offer a unique opportunity for volunteers to experience this vibrant and fascinating country while giving back to the local community. It also presents the opportunity to showcase the country, boost tourism and contribute to the economy. In Mr Davis own words, "everybody wins."

While Tom Davis has officially stepped down as country director for Projects Abroad Ghana, he will temporarily be taking up an advisory role and says that the future of the organization looks bright.

He states 'We are proud of the work we have done so far and we look forward to the future.'

According to Tom Davis 'Projects Abroad is here to stay'.